principal or the Title IX Coordinator / Equity Coordinator :
Title IX Coordinator / Equity Coordinator
Mailing address : 2727 N Ferry St ., Anoka , MN 55303 Telephone : 763-506-1000 Email : titleIXcoordinator @ ahschools . us
G . The reporting procedures set forth in the Harassment , Violence and Discrimination Policy shall be used to report violations of this policy .
Policy in Practice : Equal Educational Opportunity Policy – Guidance
Anoka-Hennepin Schools have a growing number of students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming . The District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment and to providing an education that respects all students and families . Students of all gender identities are valued and welcome in the District . Many questions have arisen regarding how best to support our transgender students with respect to the use of names or pronouns , restroom / locker rooms , and record keeping .
Names and Pronouns : The issue of the name and pronoun use in referring to a transgender student is one of the first that schools must resolve to create an environment in which a student feels safe and supported . Transgender students may elect to change the name assigned to them at birth to a name that is associated with their gender identity . Students have a right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity . After conferring with parents and the student , school employees should use the pronoun and name with which the student identifies .
However , the School District ’ s official student records should include the student ’ s legal name and legal gender ( generally the sex assigned at birth ). A student ’ s official record should be changed only upon receipt of documentation that such change has been made pursuant to applicable state law . Because the District maintains permanent student records that include the student ’ s legal name and legal gender , official documents like diplomas or transcripts do not change unless the student ’ s name is changed legally . However , where the legal name is not required , upon the request of transgender students and their parents , the student ’ s preferred name should be used for district-related purposes , such as class rosters , club activities , student ID ’ s , and in the yearbook .
Restrooms and Locker Rooms : The District will provide all students with access to use all facilities consistent with the students ’ gender identity . We will strive to have restrooms and locker rooms with private enclosed changing areas , shower areas , and toilets for all students .
All students , including transgender and gender non-conforming students , shall be permitted to use any and all facilities consistent with their gender identity . Upon their voluntary request , any student who desires increased privacy shall be provided with a reasonable alternative changing area ( e . g ., a nearby restroom stall with a door , an area separated by a privacy partition or a curtain , a PE instructor ’ s office in the locker room or a nearby health office restroom ) or with a separate changing schedule . Transgender and gender non-conforming students may only be required to use individual-user or otherwise separate facilities if every student is required to do so . The goal should be maximizing students ’ social integration and equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes and sports , ensuring the students ’ safety and comfort , and minimizing stigmatization of students .
Gendered Activities : Gender is often used as a classification for dividing classes into parts or as a prerequisite for participation . Such activities can be difficult for transgender or gender nonconforming students , especially if they are forced to participate in a group that does not correspond to their gender identity . As such , avoid using gender as a characteristic for divisions whenever possible . When groups are separated by gender , allow students to self-select the group they would feel more comfortable in .
The Minnesota State High School League has also adopted a policy addressing eligibility determination for male-to-female transgender student athletes stating in general that all students , regardless of their gender identity or expression , should be allowed to participate in athletics in an “ environment free from discrimination ”.
Data Privacy Considerations : Under both state and federal law , information and data regarding one ’ s transgender status or sex assigned at birth is classified as private educational data . Only employees with a legitimate educational reason to know this information in order to perform their job have the right of access to this data .
Transgender and gender non-conforming students may decide to discuss and express their gender identity openly or may decide when , with whom , and how much to share private information . Schools should work closely with the student and family in devising a plan that works for both the student and the school . Privacy considerations may also vary with the age of the student . In some circumstances , transgender students do not want their parents to know about their transgender status or that they are expressing their affirmed gender at school . The need to balance support of the students with parental rights to access the information about their students poses unique challenges .
Parents or guardians have a right of access to the data unless a court order provides otherwise or the student requests that the data be withheld and the school determines that that is in the best interest of the student . The school may require students to submit a signed , written request that the data be withheld and to explain the reason for denying parental access . Upon receiving such a request , the school shall determine whether denying parental access is in the student ’ s best interest by considering the potential for physical or emotional harm .
• Whether the student is of sufficient age and maturity to be able to explain the reasons for and to understand the consequences of the request to deny access ;
• Whether the personal situation of the student is such that denying parental access may protect the student from physical or emotional harm ;
• Whether there is ground for believing that the student ’ s reasons for precluding parental access are reasonably accurate ; and
• Whether the data in question is of such a nature that disclosure of it to the parent could lead to physical or emotional harm to the student .
In most situations , these factors weigh in favor of parental access .
34 ahschools . us / policies 2022-23 School Handbook